Pigeon Island is a marine national park in the Indian Ocean, reached by boat from Trincomalee. Its four sites span a wide depth range, from the almost-surface coral formations at Coral Garden through to the deeper pinnacles and drop-offs at Knife Rock and Pigeon Rocks. Visibility at most sites is consistently high, often reaching thirty metres. The site mix suits both beginners and intermediate divers, and some sites can also be entered directly from the shore. Resident species include lionfish, triggerfish, parrotfish, hawkfish, and yellowtail clownfish, alongside hard coral formations.
Monthly water temperature across Pigeon Island's sites, from satellite sea-surface data corrected for depth. The band shows the site-to-site spread.
Water temperature at Pigeon Island follows the same northeast-coast pattern as the broader Trincomalee region, warm throughout the year and at its highest around late spring and early summer. The optimal season for calm seas and the best visibility runs from around April to October, outside of which swell and wind can affect boat access and underwater conditions.
6 operators
Water temperature around Pigeon Island ranges from about 27°C in January to 30°C in April, based on satellite sea-temperature data for its dive sites.
With water around 27–30°C, a rash guard or 3mm shorty works in Pigeon Island year-round.
Fin maps 4 sites in Pigeon Island (4 scuba diving sites and 1 snorkelling spots, with some suited to both).
Across Pigeon Island's dive sites, May, June, July, August and September are most often reported as the best months to visit.
2 more sites to explore
